Texas school bans black attire.

Texas Middle School Faces Backlash Over Dress Code Banning All-Black Attire

An El Paso, TX, middle school is facing backlash for a new dress code policy that prohibits students from wearing all-black clothing, citing associations with "depression, mental health issues, and/or criminality." The decision, announced by Charles Middle School Principal Nick DeSantis ahead of the new school year, has sparked online criticism from the community, who question the link between clothing color and mental health.

"Making students wear a different color isn't going to magically make them a completely different person," - Alexis Contreras

Some parents are frustrated, having already purchased school clothes, and wish they had been consulted. In response to the backlash, the El Paso Teachers Association clarified that the school didn't ban the color black, only students wearing it "from head to toe." The change was made to ensure the "physical and mental safety" of students and was initiated due to concerns observed by teachers last year.

The El Paso Independent School District also released a statement, explaining that the policy update aims to "enhance students' well-being and sense of pride" and was approved by parents and community stakeholders. They emphasize that the decision was made in response to concerns raised by the school community.

The full statement can be read here: https://www.episd.org/article/1697684

Due to community concerns, the school has put the policy on hold pending further review and feedback.

Sources:

• https://www.kktv.com/2024/08/06/middle-school-bans-all-black-clothing-citing-mental-health-concerns/
• https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/el-paso-middle-school-revises-controversial-dress-code-banning-all-black-outfits/ar-AA1o9UPk?ocid=BingNewsVerp
• https://www.abc3340.com/news/nation-world/texas-school-bans-all-black-clothing-cites-mental-health-concerns-depression-stress-emotion-dress-code-colors
• https://www.episd.org/article/1697684